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Liverpool manager Arne Slot mocks Ibrahima Konate over mistake vs Wolves

-Credit: (Image: Sky Sports)
-Credit: (Image: Sky Sports)


Arne Slot was not willing to entertain Ibrahima Konate's suggestion that he should have won the Player of the Match award during Liverpool's win at Molineux.

The French center-back scored the opening goal of the game to hand the Reds the lead but was culpable for Wolves' equaliser, as his casual attempt to shepherd the ball out of play for a goal-kick resulted in him being robbed of the ball by Jorgen Strand Larsen, whose cut-back found Carlos Forbs.

Forbs' scuffed shot landed at the feet of Rayan Ait-Nouri, who had the simple task of turning the ball home from close range, leading to Alisson angrily remonstrating with Konate over his role in the goal.

The mistake proved to be academic, as Liverpool went on to win the match through Mohamed Salah's penalty, and Konate made his feelings clear on Ryan Gravenberch being handed another Player of the Match award during his post-match interview with Sky Sports.

"Who decides who is the man of the match?" Konate asked. "How is this possible? It's my brother, I have to give it to him. Milan I score, today I score... I didn't deserve it? What happened? You have to talk with them I don't know who decides."

When informed by a member of the Sky Sports team that Gary Neville was responsible for selecting Gravenberch, Konate frustratedly responded: "Gary Neville... thank you, Gary."

Konate's comments were put to manager Slot as he spoke to Sky Sports after the match, and the Dutchman dismissed the defender's claim in a lighthearted manner, referencing his role in Wolves' equalising goal.

"Maybe he forgot the moment that we conceded the goal," Slot said. "Maybe that was the reason that we conceded, because he wasn't there at the moment, because to say the least, it was avoidable, let's say it like this."

Manchester City's draw at Newcastle earlier in the day meant that Liverpool went into the match against Wolves knowing that a victory would see them move into first place in the standings.

The first half of the match was largely forgettable, but Konate ensured Liverpool had a lead to defend heading into the half-time break as he headed home from Diogo Jota's brilliant cross.

A dominant period after half-time followed and looked as though it would result in Liverpool extending its lead, but some sloppy defending from Konate allowed Ait-Nouri to equalise against the run of play.

Wolves remained level for a matter of minutes, though, as Jota was brought down in the box by Nelson Semedo and Salah duly dispatched the resultant penalty.